Description
A quick and easy one-pot creamy garlic pasta recipe that combines sautéed garlic, pasta, milk, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, comforting meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish requires minimal cleanup and can be customized with optional cream cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any milk you have)
- 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens. For an even creamier sauce, incorporate cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer; adjust cooking liquid slightly if using larger shapes.
- Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Adding cream cheese or sour cream enhances the creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, one pot pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Parmesan pasta, vegetarian pasta
